Kano State Governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf, has immortalised the 22 athletes who lost their lives in a tragic road accident earlier this year by renaming two key sports institutions in their honour.
In an emotional ceremony held at the Government House in Kano, the governor announced that the Kano State Sports Institute will now be known as the Kano State 22 Athletes Sports Institute, while the Kano State Sports Commission has been renamed the Kano State 22 Athletes Sports Commission.
“These athletes brought pride to Kano, and it is only right that we remember their contributions and sacrifices forever,” Governor Yusuf said during the event. “We won’t forget their service to our state.”
The tragic incident occurred in May along the Kano-Zaria expressway, when the athletes were returning from a national competition. Most of the victims were young and promising talents who had represented the state with honour. The crash sent shockwaves across the country, prompting widespread grief and calls for improved safety measures for sports contingents.
The decision to rename the institutions was welcomed by families of the victims and members of the Kano sporting community, who said it was a meaningful step in preserving the legacy of the athletes.
Governor Yusuf reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to supporting sports development in the state and ensuring the safety and welfare of all athletes representing Kano.
